by Dan Howell
The Glovers fell at the first hurdle in the Emirates FA Cup after a late header from Jack Cawley saw Chesham United emerge 1-0 victors.
Mark Cooper made three changes to the side that defeated Dagenham & Redbridge a week earlier at Huish Park. Dylan Morgan was cup-tied following his involvement with Weston-super-Mare, James Plant did not have FA Cup permission from Port Vale, and Michael Smith was on the injury list after picking up a knock last Saturday.
The Glovers got off to the livelier start, with the early attacks going in their favour. The first effort came inside two minutes when an audacious attempt saw Charlie Cooper shoot from a free kick in his own half, the ball falling just wide with Ben Goode scrambling back towards his own goal.
The most notable chances for the Glovers came in quick succession around the 20-minute mark. Jordan Young broke into the penalty area from the right and saw his effort blocked before he could find Ciaran McGuckin, whose shot met the same fate. After reclaiming possession through Raphael Araoye, the Glovers had one more effort in this passage of play, which fell to Brett McGavin, but his shot was also blocked.
The resulting corner was swung in by McGavin, who managed to find Frank Nouble at the back post. Despite being under pressure, Nouble poked the ball towards goal, but it squirmed off the post before being cleared from danger.
Ben Goode found himself in a spot of bother in the 25th minute as he rushed out to collect a through ball from Jake Wannell, releasing it just before leaving the penalty area. This gave Ciaran McGuckin the chance to gain possession and shoot, but Lewis Rolfe was in the right place to deny the Rotherham loanee.
The last major chance of the half fell to the hosts. After breaking down the right side, Joe Grant progressed into the box before unleashing a curling effort that was tipped around the post by Ollie Wright, ensuring the game remained goalless at the break.
Ben Goode was called into action immediately after the restart. Josh Sims progressed forward with neat play alongside Jordan Young before unleashing an effort straight at Goode, who stood firm. Two minutes later, Brett McGavin had a go with a stretching shot that flew narrowly over the crossbar.
In the 56th minute, McGavin once again knocked on the door after breaking into the penalty area, but he was unable to get a shot away. Moments later, a similar run from Jordan Young ended with Goode coming out to collect the ball.
Mark Cooper then looked to the bench for fresh legs, introducing Sam Pearson and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton with just over 15 minutes left on the clock. Harvey Greenslade also returned to action, replacing Jordan Young as the minutes ticked down.
Just as it appeared to be heading for a replay at Huish Park, up popped Jack Cawley in the third minute of injury time. A deep corner into the area saw Cawley rise highest, his towering header finding the back of the net, putting Chesham within touching distance of a first-round tie.
With very little time remaining, the Glovers had one last roll of the dice through a Brett McGavin free kick. With almost all players crowding the area, McGavin struck the free kick low towards goal, but it was collected by Goode.
As soon as Goode had it in his grasp, the referee blew for full time, marking the end of the road for the Glovers in this season’s Emirates FA Cup.
